U.S. patent application number 11/065739 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for illuminated ticket holder.
Invention is credited to Dave Mitcheltree.
Application Number | 20060185207 11/065739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36911086 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060185207 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mitcheltree; Dave |
August 24, 2006 |
Illuminated ticket holder
Abstract
An apparatus for the illuminated display of a printed article
such as a sporting event or concert ticket includes a transparent
ticket holder with a light source. The ticket holder has a first
transparent layer of material with a peripheral edge. A second
layer of material is bonded to the first transparent layer
proximate to at least a portion of the peripheral edge to form a
pocket. A slit provides repeatable access into the pocket. An
illumination source receiver with a removable illumination source
provides light with which to view the ticket in a darkened concert
hall or arena. The ticket holder also has a suspension opening
formed through at least one of the first or second layers of
material allowing the ticket holder to be worn around a user's neck
or wrist using a lanyard.
Inventors: |
Mitcheltree; Dave; (Dyer,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALLENSTEIN & WAGNER, LTD.
311 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
53RD FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
36911086 |
Appl. No.: |
11/065739 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/661 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 3/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/661 |
International
Class: |
G09F 3/18 20060101
G09F003/18 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for the display of a printed article comprising: a
first transparent layer of material having a peripheral edge; a
second layer of material bonded to said first transparent layer
proximate to at least a portion of said peripheral edge to form a
pocket; a slit in said first transparent layer providing repeatable
access into said pocket; a ridge along at least a portion of the
slit; and, a suspension opening formed through at least one of the
first or second layers of material from which the apparatus may be
hung.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ridge extends along the
entire length the slit.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an illumination
source receiver formed between the first and second layers of
material and a second slit providing repeatable access into said
illumination source receiver.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second layer of material is
transparent.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising an illumination
source removably positioned within said illumination source
receiver.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the illumination source is a
chemiluminescent lightstick.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a removable lanyard
fastened to said suspension opening.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an illumination
source operably connected to the first layer.
9. An apparatus for the illuminated display of a printed article
comprising: a first transparent layer of material having a
peripheral edge; a second layer of material bonded to said first
transparent layer proximate to at least a portion of said
peripheral edge to form a pocket; a slit in said first transparent
layer providing repeatable access into said pocket; and, an
illumination source receiver; a suspension opening formed through
at least one of the first or second layers of material from which
the apparatus may be hung.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the illumination source
receiver is a second pocket formed between the first and second
layers of material.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second pocket is
separated from the first pocket by a weld line.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an illumination
source removably positioned within said illumination source
receiver.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the illumination source is a
chemiluminescent lightstick.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a removable lanyard
fastened to said suspension opening.
15. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the removable lanyard includes
printed indicia.
16. An apparatus for the illuminated display of a printed article
comprising: a first transparent layer of material having a
peripheral edge; a second layer of material bonded to said first
transparent layer proximate to at least a portion of said
peripheral edge to form a pocket; a slit providing repeatable
access into said pocket; and, an illumination source receiver
having a removable illumination source positioned therein; a
suspension opening formed through at least one of the first or
second layers of material from which the apparatus may be
suspended.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the illumination source is a
lightstick and/or an light button.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein he light stick and/or light
button has indicia thereon, the indicia being visible in a light
deprived environment for at least a period of time.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the indicia is a source
identifier for advertising and/or marketing a product and/or a
service.
20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the suspension opening is
formed through the first and second layers of material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a hands-free ticket holder such as
for a concert or sporting event, and more particular to a ticket
holder having an illumination source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Holders designed for airline tickets, commuter tickets,
personal identification badges and other articles are well known in
the art. Generally, the holder includes an opening by which the
ticket may be inserted into the holder. A portion of the holder is
generally transparent so the ticket can be viewed without removing
it. However, when no ambient light is present the ticket is not
viewable. Additionally, the ticket holders of the prior art are
limited because of the propensity of the ticket to fall out of the
holder. While the ticket holders according to the prior art provide
a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain
limitations.
[0003] The present invention is provided to overcome certain of
these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to
provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior ticket
holders. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the
present invention is deferred to the following detailed
description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an
apparatus for the display of a printed article such as a sporting
event or concert ticket includes a transparent ticket holder. The
ticket holder has a first transparent layer of material with a
peripheral edge. A second layer of material is bonded to the first
layer of material at, or near to, the peripheral edge to form a
pocket. A slit in the first layer provides repeatable access into
the pocket. A ridge along at least a portion of the slit assists in
securing the ticket in place. An opening formed through one or both
of the first and second layers of material allows the ticket holder
to be hung from a lanyard.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an
apparatus for the illuminated display of a printed article such as
a sporting event or concert ticket includes a transparent ticket
holder with a light holder. The ticket holder has a first
transparent layer of material with a peripheral edge. A second
layer of material is bonded to the first layer proximate to at
least a portion of the peripheral edge to form a pocket. A slit is
formed in the first transparent layer and provides repeatable
access into the pocket. The ticket holder also includes an
illumination source receiver for holding an illumination source. A
suspension opening is formed through at least one of the first or
second layers of material and allows the ticket holder to be
hung.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an
apparatus for the illuminated display of a printed article such as
a sporting event or concert ticket includes a transparent ticket
holder with a light source. The ticket holder has a first
transparent layer of material with a peripheral edge. A second
layer of material is bonded to the first transparent layer
proximate to at least a portion of the peripheral edge to form a
pocket. A slit provides repeatable access into the pocket. An
illumination source receiver with a removable illumination source
provides a light source to view the ticket in a dark concert hall
or arena. The ticket holder also has a suspension opening formed
through at least one of the first or second layers of material
allowing the ticket holder to be worn around a users neck or
wrist.
[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with
the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] To understand the present invention, it will now be
described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are
designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a
definition of the limits of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a ticket holder according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ticket holder of FIG. 1
shown with a ticket being inserted;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ticket holder of FIG. 1
shown with an illumination source being inserted and a fully seated
ticket;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of a ticket holder according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of a ticket holder according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of a ticket holder according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front view of a ticket holder according to
another embodiment of the present invention; and, FIG. 8 is a rear
view of the ticket holder of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of an
apparatus for the illuminated display of a printed article, or a
ticket holder 10. The ticket holder 10 is useful for holding
articles such as a ticket to a sporting event, concert, or theatre
production.
[0018] The ticket holder 10 is generally suitably dimensioned to
hold a standard ticket measuring approximately five and one half
inches by two inches without bending or folding of the ticket.
However, it is appreciated that numerous other ticket holder sizes
and shapes could be made in accordance with the principles of the
present invention depending upon the size and shape of the ticket
the holder is intended to display.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket holder 10 includes a first
layer 12, generally of a transparent material. The first layer 12
is bonded to a second layer 14 proximate to and along a periphery
16 of the first layer 12. The material used for the second layer 14
is generally also transparent, and in some embodiments, the same
material is used for both layers. The two layers are preferably
bondable to one another using welding or adhesives. Numerous
materials could easily be used to manufacture the invention, and
are well known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, a
transparent 8 gauge plastic is used. The preferred plastic is soft
and flexible.
[0020] The bond between the first layer 12 and second layer 14
creates a pocket 18 into which a ticket 20 may be removably
inserted as shown in FIG. 2. The pocket 18 is generally accessible
through a slit 22 formed in the first layer 12. In other
embodiments, the slit may be formed in the second layer, providing
access to the pocket from the back of the ticket holder, or the
slit may be formed between the two layers.
[0021] A ridge 24 is preferably located proximate to the slit 22.
The ridge 24 functions as a stop that assists in holding the ticket
20 securely within the pocket 18. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3,
the ridge is formed by a weld line 26 which extends along the slit
22 on the side opposite to where a fully seated ticket 20 is
positioned (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the ridge 24 also includes
a narrow flap 28 of material from the first layer 12 which is
present between the weld line 26 and the slit 22.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, the ticket holder 10 also
generally includes a suspension opening 30 formed through layers of
material. The opening 30 provides a means for attaching a lanyard
32 to the ticket holder 10. The lanyard 32 is generally sized to
fit either around a users neck or wrist. In this way, the ticket
holder 10 can function in a hands-free manner, allowing the user
full use of their hands for clapping or carrying other merchandise.
The lanyard 32 preferably includes printed indicia 33 in the form
of advertising.
[0023] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes an illumination
source receiver 34. The illumination source receiver 34 is
preferably a second pocket formed between the first layer 12 and
second layer 14. In this embodiment, the second pocket is created
by the weld line 26. The weld line 26 in this way serves dual
purposes in both creating the second pocket and serving as a stop
to assist in securing the ticket 20 in the first pocket 18. As
shown in FIG. 3, the illumination source receiver 34 is accessible
through a second slit 36. In FIG. 3, an illumination source 38 is
being removably inserted into the illumination source receiver 34.
Preferably, when the illumination source 38 is fully seated within
the illumination source receiver 34, the entire illumination source
38 will be completely within the confines of the second pocket.
[0024] The illumination source 38 is preferably a chemiluminescent
lightstick. Such chemiluminescent devices are well know in the art,
and generally operate within a self-contained plastic shell by
intermixing two or more chemicals upon demand to generate a glowing
luminescence. Such chemiluminescent devices are commercially
available from different suppliers including OmniGlow Inc. of
Springfield, Mass.
[0025] The illumination source receiver 34 is generally positioned
to maximize the utility of the light generated by the illumination
source 38 to light up relevant portions of the ticket 20. For
example, if the ticket 20 includes important information, such as
the location of the seats for an event, the illumination source 38
is preferably positioned adjacent to that information. In addition,
the ticket 20 and the illumination source 38 generally include
length dimensions which are greater than their width dimensions. It
is preferable to align the longer dimension of the ticket 20 with
the longer dimension of the illumination source 38 to maximize the
utility of any light generated by the illumination source 38.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention. The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-3 in that the relative position of the slit 22, the
illumination source receiver 34, and associated structure to the
suspension opening 30 is different. In the embodiment of FIG. 6,
the slit 22 is located adjacent to the suspension opening 30.
Therefore, when the ticket holder 10 is suspended, the slit 22 and
illumination source 38 would be located adjacent to a top 39 of the
ticket holder 10.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of a ticket
holder 100 according to the present invention. The ticket holder
100 of this embodiment again includes a first layer 102, generally
of a transparent material. The first layer 102 is bonded to a
second layer (not visible) proximate to a periphery 106 of the
first layer 102. The two layers are preferably bondable to one
another using welding or adhesives.
[0028] The bond between the first layer 102 and second layer 104
creates a pocket into which a ticket may be removably inserted. The
pocket is generally accessible through a slit 110 formed in the
first layer 102.
[0029] A ridge 112 is located proximate to the slit 104. The ridge
112 functions as a stop that assists in holding the ticket securely
within the pocket. The ridge 112 here is a raised protrusion of
material.
[0030] The ticket holder 100 as shown in FIG. 4 also includes a
suspension opening 116 formed through the layers of material. The
opening 116 provides a means for attaching a lanyard to the ticket
holder 100.
[0031] An illumination source may optionally be removably inserted
into the pocket. Once in the pocket, the illumination source is
movable throughout the pocket. In this manner, the user can direct
any light provided by the illumination source to whichever portion
of the ticket they desire.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of a ticket
holder 200 according to the present invention. The ticket holder
200 of this embodiment again includes a first layer 202, of a
transparent material bonded to a second layer (not visible)
proximate to a periphery 206 of the first layer 202.
[0033] A pocket is created between the first layer 202 and the
second layer which is accessible through a slit 210 formed in the
first layer 202.
[0034] The ticket holder 200 as shown in FIG. 5 also includes a
suspension opening 212 formed through the layers of material. The
suspension opening 212 provides a means for attaching a lanyard to
the ticket holder 200.
[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the slit 210 is positioned
opposite to the suspension opening 212 of the ticket holder 200.
When the ticket holder 200 is suspended, the slit 210 is positioned
near a bottom edge 213 of the ticket holder 200. In order to
prevent a ticket held within the ticket holder 200 from falling out
during use, a ridge 214 comprising a flap of material extends from
the bottom edge 213 over the slit 210.
[0036] The arrangement of FIG. 5 is useful in preventing any damage
from occurring to a ticket within the ticket holder 200 due to
inadvertent spillage of beverages during use, and is particularly
suited for protecting souvenir type tickets.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of a ticket
holder 300 according to the present invention. The ticket holder
300 of this embodiment again includes a first layer 302, of a
transparent material bonded to a second layer 304, shown in the
rear view of FIG. 8. The first layer 302 and second layer 304 are
heat-seal welded to one another along a portion of the periphery
306 of the first layer 302. Additional, heat-seal welds are
strategically placed to form a pocket 318 into which a ticket 320
may be removably inserted. The material of the first layer is clear
to provide a clear view of the ticket 320 when it is positioned in
the pocket 318.
[0038] The pocket 318 is generally accessible through a slit 322
formed in the first layer 312. A weld line 324 is preferably
located proximate to the slit 322. The weld line 324 forms a ridge
that assists in keeping the ticket inside the pocket 318.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the ticket holder 300 includes a
suspension opening 330 formed near to a top 331 of the ticket
holder 300. The opening 330 provides a means for attaching a
lanyard to the ticket holder 300.
[0040] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes an
illumination source receiver 334. The illumination source receiver
334 is preferably a second pocket formed between the first layer
312 and second layer 314. In this embodiment, the top of the second
pocket is defined by a horizontal weld line 326. The illumination
source receiver 334 is accessible through a second slit along the
weld line 326.
[0041] The embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 also include advertising
panels. Numerous advertising panels are utilized in this
embodiment. The advertising panels are generally printed or pasted
with a sticker or other advertising. In some embodiments, the
advertising panels may comprise a second material different from
the transparent material of the first layer 312. In yet another
embodiment, the advertising panels may be removable along a
perforated edge. A first advertising panel 338 is on the front of
the ticket holder 300 adjacent to the first pocket 318 along the
top 331 of the ticket holder 300. A second advertising panel 340 is
also adjacent to the first pocket 318 on the front of the ticket
holder 300. Additional advertising panels 342 and 344 are located
on the back of ticket holder 300 as shown in FIG. 8. The
advertising panels are preferably segmented from the each other and
from the pockets via an additional weld line 346.
[0042] An alternative or additional illumination source may be
provided for use in some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the
alternative or additional illumination source is preferably an
illuminating wafer or button 333 attached to the first advertising
panel 338, or to another location on the first layer 312. Such
illuminating stick or button 333 can include an adhesive surface
that may be removably adhered to the first layer 312. Such stick on
wafers or buttons are commercially available from different
suppliers including OmniGlow Inc. of Springfield, Mass. In an
alternative embodiment, an additional pocket sized to accept a
circular illuminating source may be provided as an alternative to
the "stick on" button. The light stick and/or light button can have
indicia thereon. When lit, the illuminating material within the
stick and/or button will cause the indicia to be is visible in a
light deprived environment, such as in a concert hall after the
lights are turned out. The illumination material will allow for the
indicia to be visible for at least a period of time during which
the chemicals cause the stick and/or button to be lit. The indicia
can be a source identifier, such as a trademark or service mark
(name of a product, company, etc.), for advertising and/or
marketing a product and/or a service connected to such source
identifier.
[0043] The length of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as
measured from a horizontal line 350 tangent to the suspension
opening 330 to a bottom edge 352 is preferably about eight inches.
The horizontal weld line 326 is preferably located two inches below
the top horizontal line 350. Therefore, the pockets for holding the
ticket and the illumination source are preferably about six inches
in length.
[0044] The total width of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is
preferably about three and one-half inches. The illumination source
receiver 334 is preferably one inch wide. The pocket 318 for
holding the ticket 320 is preferably about one and seven-eighths
inches wide. The illumination source used in conjunction with this
embodiment is preferably about five and three-quarters inches in
length.
[0045] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the
scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *